"We're just trying to improve our team," the Patriots head coach told reporters at the NFL annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday.

Apparently one man's "arms race" is another man's self-improvement then.

Earlier this month, Denver Broncos general manager John Elway described the punches and counterpunches he seemed to be exchanging with the Patriots in free agency as a "fun arms race," adding, "We'll see what happens next year."

Belichick says his view extends no farther than the walls of Gillette Stadium.

"We're focused on the New England Patriots," said Belichick. "That's our main focus."

Maybe, but while the Broncos, who defeated New England, 26-16, in the 2013 AFC Championship Game, have added safety T.J. Ward, former Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib, defensive end DeMarcus Ware and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, the conference runners-up have countered with cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner and wide receiver Brandon LaFell.

"Our focus is on trying to make our team better. That's all I can tell you," said Belichick. "If we can make our team better, that's what we're going to try to do. I can't worry about what 31 other teams are doing. There may be some relevant things at times, but we're focused on our team.

"That's what we're trying to do."

While he was questioned about a number of topics, given the fact that he spoke about the central figure among the Patriots' offseason additions as if he were a player being brought in to compete for a roster spot, it should come as no surprise that Belichick wouldn't delve into the matter involving defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.

"Darrelle's a good player," Belichick said of Revis, the five-time Pro Bowler who came to the Patriots at a cost of $12 million this year. "We'll see how it comes together with us, what his role is and how exactly he fits in our scheme and so forth. We'll just have to see how that comes together."

As for Wilfork, another five-time Pro Bowler, the Patriot of 10 years who has balked at the team's request to restructure a contract that calls for him to haul in a salary of $7.5 million at a cap hit of $11.6 million in 2014?

"I'm not going to talk about anything with any of our specific players," said Belichick. "I'm not going to get into that."

Belichick denied allegations made by Talib and linebacker Brandon Spikes (now in Buffalo) as they headed out the door in free agency.

"I don't agree with that," Belichick said of the players' accusations that the Patriots falsified their injury reports. "Never."

The coach reported that the information-gathering process continues in preparation for a draft that has been pushed back this year from April to May 8-10.

Page 2 of 2 - "Right now, it's just a lot of parcels," Belichick said of the team's information. "I've been (to college pro days) where I've been. Everyone else (involved in the scouting) has been where they've been.

"At some point it all will get put back together and we'll talk about the way we have the players on the board. I'm sure we'll make some changes and adjustments, and then we'll continue the process from there."

Awarded a compensatory fourth-round pick for free-agent losses in 2013 on Monday, the Patriots currently hold eight choices — one in the first-through-third and seventh rounds, and two each in the fourth and sixth (the additional selection there was gained from Philadelphia in the trade for since-released defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga), but none in the fifth (dealt to the Eagles for Sopoaga).